The PVC (PickVision Controller) is the central control unit in WIBOND's Pick-to-Light system architecture. It acts as the communication bridge between the PickVisionHost software — running on an industrial PC or monitor — and the individual PickVision display, keyboard, and scanner components distributed across the picking line. Designed for small-batch to high-volume order picking environments, the PVC ensures deterministic command delivery with extremely short reaction times, line protection, and segment monitoring to prevent faults from cascading across connected stations.

How does the PVC fit into the PickVision system architecture?

The PVC sits between the host-level PickVisionHost software and the field-level picking station components. On the upstream side, it connects to the PickVisionHost — typically running on a WIBOND MEI 19 D industrial monitor or customer-supplied PC — which handles the customer interface layer: database queries, ERP integration, and order management. On the downstream side, the PVC distributes picking instructions to individual PickVision displays, confirms pick actions from connected keyboards and scanners, and reports status back to the host. This layered architecture isolates the real-time picking control loop from the IT system layer, ensuring that ERP latency does not affect picking station response times.

What interfaces does the PVC support?

The PVC offers a broad interface set to accommodate diverse industrial environments:

• Ethernet TCP/IP — Standard communication with PickVisionHost and IT systems
• ProfiNet / Profibus — Direct integration with Siemens and other PLC-based automation infrastructure
• WLAN — Wireless connectivity for mobile picking carts and distributed installations
• USB — Local configuration and service access

This multi-protocol design allows the PVC to be deployed in greenfield installations using native Ethernet while also connecting to existing Profibus-based conveyor and material handling systems without protocol converters.

How does the PVC differ from the PMC MiniController?

WIBOND offers two PickVision controller variants. The PVC is the full-featured model with the complete interface set — Ethernet, ProfiNet, Profibus, WLAN, and USB — making it suitable for medium to large picking installations where integration with multiple upstream systems is required. The PMC (PickVision MiniController) is a compact, space-optimized variant designed for smaller lines or where only basic Ethernet connectivity is needed. Both controllers run the same PickVisionManager parameterization software and support the same PickVision component ecosystem, so the choice between them is driven by interface requirements and installation scale rather than software compatibility.